A 22-year-old fighter participating in a TV show produced by boxing great Manny Pacquiao reportedly died after being taken to a hospital in the Philippines.
Bantamweight boxer Kenneth Egano, who had a 7-1 record, defeated challenger Jason Facularin at the Imus Sports Gymnasium in the Philippines Saturday. He then collapsed in his corner, according to TMZ, which said he slipped into a coma before dying from a brain hemorrhage Wednesday.
Egano reportedly won five straight bouts before fighting his eight-round finale over the weekend. Video of the fight shows both pugilists landing solid blows before the final bell rang. Egano won by unanimous decision.
“Sorry that it happened,” Facularin reportedly said on social media. “I hope you’re in a good place.”
Pacquiao, who won titles in an unprecedented eight weight classes while chalking up 62 wins, eight losses and a pair of draws, reportedly said he’d pay for Egano’s medical expenses.
According to Boxing Scene, Pacquiao also expressed his condolences.
“Boxing is truly a dangerous sport and the boxers deserve nothing but respect as they put their lives on the line,” he said.
The Independent estimates 500 boxers have died from injuries sustained during fights in the modern age.